In addition to Michele Bachmann’s pointed exchanges with fellow Minnesotan Tim Pawlenty, she also defended statements she made about turning around the economy.

Bachmann has said it isn’t that difficult to do and that if America had the will, the economy would turn around in a quarter. Bachmann has subsequently clarified her statements and said the economy would start to turn around in a quarter if the U.S. government spent less money, reduced tax rates on job creators and repealed “Obamacare.”

She was asked whether her original statements were unrealistic.

“We can start to see the recovery within three months, not the whole recovery, but we can begin to see if we put into place what we know to be true,” Bachmann said, adding that Congress should not have increased the debt ceiling.

Candidates were asked about two potential candidates notably absent from the debate: former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Texas Gov. Rick Perry. Neither has officially announced a candidacy.

Bachmann was specifically asked whether Palin, who plans to visit the State Fair today, was stealing her thunder. Bachmann said there is room in the race for Palin and others.

“I like Sarah Palin a lot,” Bachmann said. “We are very good friends.”